My mama passed away on Sunday. It was slow and agonizing the past six months while we watched her decline. It was a blessing when she finally went home. But what a beauty she was- inside and out.
So many memories and moments come rushing in when you lose a parent. You hardly have room to sort them let alone take them in. Scenes moving swiftly from childhood and adulthood. The times she held my tears even though they grew twice the size in her heart.
Endless sad dinners after I went through my broken engagement. Helping me move into my Santa Barbara home. Whispering that whatever lay ahead she’d be with me.
So many sermons she drove up to hear. So many gleams of pride I witnessed from her eyes. She bought ten of every one of my books to give to friends and family. She hung on every word I spoke and wrote. You are never more profound than in your mother’s gaze.
And then one magical day a prince and his son asked me to join their family.
She never let me forget that they were straight from God. She knew like no one else what they meant to my lonely heart.
She never let me forget that they were straight from God. She knew like no one else what they meant to my lonely heart.
At the wedding, my prince danced with her to Hey Jude after I danced with my father. And as you can see from the clip, she thought she’d gone to Heaven in his arms.
Then last Sunday she did just that.
My mom loved her kids, their spouses and her grandkids in their joy and difficulty.
She also used her gift of listening to touch many lives.
So, thank you Mom for your love and life.
The last 3 years we may have cared for you. But the eighty years before that, you cared for us.
And we are who we are because of it.
The last 3 years we may have cared for you. But the eighty years before that, you cared for us.
And we are who we are because of it.
I’m so sorry for your great loss. Prayers for you and your family.
✝️
Thank you Debi
Beautiful…. Sorry for the loss of someone who surely made a mark in this world. I can only pray that someone says such kind words for me. Something to shoot for. 🙂
I’m so very sad for your loss. I still have both of my parents so I do t really know the pain you are going through. She sounds like a wonderful person. You are very blessed. She can now be at
peace!
Thanks Mary Kay
Thank you Shelly
My condolences to you and your family. Like you said she is home– Home Sweet Home! Our forever home that is more than we can ever imagine.
Thank you Cindi
Laurie I am so sorry for your loss Heaven has another angel! I lost my mom when I was twelve. Even after all of these years I can still feel the same ache in my heart but still the same joy knowing she is with our Lord. Blessings of Peace and comfort to you and your family.
Thank you Sara
Earth loses a beautiful mom but heaven gains a precious soul. Praying for you as you mourn the loss of your mother. I remember the morning my mom passed away – I witnessed her last breathe before the Lord took her. Miss her every day but I know she is singing in heaven and we will be together again one day.
Thank you Lorrie
❤️ inspires me to be….❤️
you are an inspiration to so many in your mothering…
Oh Laurie. I know exactly how you feel. My Mom went to Heaven on August 30. I was privileged and greatly honored to be her sole caregiver for the last two months as she was bedbound. I miss her every day. Thank God that you are not alone in your grief as I am. Blessings and great love to you. Vivian Sullivan
So sorry Vivian- such a tough time to lose someone. May you feel God’s blessings and company
My deep condolences Laurie. Prayers for your grieving heart.
Thanks Denise
Lauri, I pray the Lord heals that sadness of missing your Mom. I know you will forever feel her presence in your life. You have great memories that will always be with you.
Thank you Darlene! We saw your daughter over the holidays and have always loved how great a mom you’ve been to your kids. You are loved
What a lovely tribute to your beautiful mother. Your life story is one that is better than any in a book or movie. It has definitely been orchestrated by God. Thank you for sharing your heart, your pain, your rejoicing and giving us this inspiring gift from your heart.
Sending love from Roseville.
Thank you Ann, so appreciate you and your support
Oh Laurie, my heart was so gripped by your loss, for it seems like just yesterday our mom passed through heaven’s gates, leaving with us the acute sadness and joy that is felt around her memory. What beautiful thoughts and story pictures you gave us to represent the relationship you had with your mom and the amazing legacy she has left for you. Laurie, I pray peace upon you as you recall her love and deep comfort as you mourn her absence. You are loved by all of us here in Washington!
Thanks Shar, so love you guys up there and always consider you family. Was privileged to be there during Bugsy’s passing and so grateful for our relationship!
Dearest Laurie,
My deepest condolences to you and your family for the passing of your Mama.
Though as you said, her passing was a blessing, ending her suffering, it is still an enormous heartbreak.
Sending you wishes for a peaceful grieving process filled with loving memories until you meet again in Heaven.
Warm regards,
~Deborah Beaudet~
Thank you Deborah
So sorry to hear about your mom Laurie. Beautiful tribute you wrote. What you said about a mother’s gaze making you profound is so true. Your mom must have been an amazing lady.
Thanks Josh!
What lovely sentiments… . May your cherished memories sustain you. Our love to you end your family!
Thank you Nyla
This is so touching. Thank you for sharing this. I loved watch Jerry dance with your Mom.
Thanks Christina. Me too!:)
Beautiful tribute Laurie. Judy was so loving. I will remember her fondly for the rest of my life. Love to you Tommy and Chip. I can see her beautiful light shining through your eyes.
thanks aunt krissi… love you
Dearest Laurie,
What a lovely tribute to your mom, a truly beautiful person, inside and out! Her smile radiated love to her family and friends and her hugs were heartfelt. Her femininity was unmatched by anyone I’ve met since.
I’ll always remember that she gifted me my first Revlon blush and made me fell “grown up.” Those Christmas eves at your Baba’s house are a fond memory of days spent with her, as are those childhood days in Lake Arrowhead.
When I was just 16 I spent a week at Balboa with your family as the nanny for the week and became close to your mom. She introduced me to Emeraude perfume
God bless you as you move on without your matriarch. Cherish her memory, live by her lessons in life and be ever thankful for the times you shared together. She loved you so!
thank you Debbie! She loved you too!
xo